Ride2Recovery cyclists share special bond

Ride2Recovery helps injured active duty service members and veterans improve their health and wellness through individual and group cycling. COURTESY OF UNITEDHEALTHCARE

True camaraderie, bravery

The UnitedHealthcare Ride2Recovery California Challenge was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I never served in the Armed Forces, but have always appreciated the men and women who serve – our real heroes.

These are the people who make it possible for all of us to be able to enjoy our freedoms. Riding more than 450-miles with a group of people who have everything in the world to complain about and I never heard a negative word. What an honor it was to see what true camaraderie, selflessness and bravery really is. The communities throughout the ride supported us with the "USO" and American Legion branches guiding us safely through their towns and providing wonderful dinners along the way. The benefit that this ride provides for the wounded soldiers is immeasurable. Cycling gives them a chance to get their lives back in order, to accomplish goals that seem unattainable and inspire them to become an active part in civilian society, once again. To experience elementary students saving their nickels in very low income areas just to help support these heroes renews my belief that this is the greatest country in the world.

– Ride2Recovery rider David Weiss, Laguna Niguel, is a member of the Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee and Commander of the Sons of American Legion

Why would a 68-year-old U.S Air Force Vietnam Veteran cycle seven days – covering 457-miles and climbing 21,000-feet – along the California coastline? Because as veterans we share a special bond, we stand together – regardless of when or where we served.

The UnitedHealthcare Ride2Recovery California Challenge is primarily for wounded veterans recovering from mental and physical wounds sustained as a result of their military service. From Oct. 12-19, more than 200 veterans and caring, supportive non-veterans completed the difficult cycling challenge from the VA Hospital in Palo Alto to Santa Monica Pier. The ride was supported by UnitedHealthcare, the USO, American Legion posts all along the route, the American Legion motorcycle riders, police and Highway Patrol, who provided traffic protection for the cyclists.

Our stories are varied, but for the same cause. To learn why we ride, you must meet the people below the helmet. Stephan rode a hand cycle because he had lost both legs in Afghanistan from an Improvised Explosive Device, while running to help carry another wounded soldier. John, a large Marine, rode a three wheel recumbent bike; John was blinded in his left eye and sustained injuries on his left side due to an IED in Afghanistan. Jose rode a two wheel bicycle despite the loss of fingers and burn scars over most of his head and body. Anne, a beautiful young lady, showed no visible injuries, but explained that she was an Army helicopter pilot and due to an accident, suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She feared she may never be able to fly again. These were but a few of the extraordinary veterans on the ride.

These remarkable veterans never complained. They encouraged and supported one another with a strong positive attitude and sense of humor that speak to the outstanding character and caliber of the veterans who serve to protect our country. They provide the freedoms we are blessed to enjoy in the United States of America.

Ride2Recovery helps injured active duty service members and veterans improve their health and wellness through individual and group cycling. COURTESY OF UNITEDHEALTHCARE
From left: David Weiss from Laguna Niguel and Bruce Birkeland, Laguna Hills, ride from Palo Alto to Gilroy, Calif. during the 2013 Ride 2 Recovery California Challenge. COURTESY OF TIFFINI M. SKUCE
Ride2Recovery helps injured active duty service members and veterans improve their health and wellness through individual and group cycling. PHOTO COURTEST OF UNITEDHEALTHCARE

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